Iodine during pregnancy

That's why vitamin-mineral complexes should be taken by every pregnant woman. But there are elements necessary for the future mother and her future child in an additional dose that exceeds what is included in your biological supplement. Among such - iodine. And that's why.

A very important trace element

The notorious exchange and energy processes today are already heard, old and small. We even cease to take this expression seriously, uttering it with a certain amount of irony. But when a new life arises under the heart, it becomes no joke.

Normal work of the endocrine system determines the course of many processes in our body. To ensure that everything goes smoothly, the thyroid gland should work in its normal mode. And this, in turn, depends on the production of hormones. If it rises or falls, it's not good.

It is the iodine that determines the production of thyroid hormones and the normal course of many processes in our body. We all remember the sweet white tablets Antistrum, which in Soviet times obligatory issued to children in kindergartens and schools for the prevention of goiter - to be strong and smart. And it's not for nothing.

Deficiency of iodine is fraught with many problems, primarily physical and mental retardation. And it all begins at the stage of intrauterine deposition of organs and systems. The degree of inhibition of the child's intellectual development directly depends on the level of iodine deficiency during the period of gestation, because the development of the nervous tissue and brain depends, in part, on the intake of this element. Such children have severe dementia and other developmental malformations. With acute iodine deficiency during pregnancy, the fetus may even develop cretinism.

The same can be said about physical indicators: it is proved that iodine helps to strengthen the cartilage and turn them into bones, as well as the deposition of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals in the bones, that is, it plays an important role in the formation of the skeleton child.

Fetal iodine deficiency in children experiencing chronic hypoxia and often have purulent septic complications after birth (sepsis, pneumonia).

The need for additional intake of iodine in the body of a pregnant woman becomes even more obvious when you consider that absolutely all resources are derived from the mother. His thyroid starts to develop hormones much later than the nervous system is laid (already from 3-4 weeks of pregnancy), and he reacts more often to iodine deficiency than the woman herself, therefore it is very important that mom start the prevention of iodine deficiency in time.

Yes, and for the gestation itself, the shortage of iodine poses a certain threat: often this is the cause of pregnancy fading and spontaneous miscarriages, as well as various complications, in particular the violation of labor. Hypothyroidism in a pregnant woman is manifested by a decrease in overall immunity, the appearance of swelling, fatigue (both physical and mental), deterioration of the nails, hair and skin, excess weight. Also, the development of mammary glands is inhibited, and in the future it decreases and milk production may even completely stop.

Ambiguity of the situation is also that to notice the lack of iodine in the body of a pregnant woman is very difficult. Sometimes an experienced specialist can see an increase in the thyroid gland in size, but most often hypothyroidism is hidden and does not show visible signs. In this case, the problem is recognized at a later stage. However, earlier it is possible to undergo special examinations: ultrasound of the thyroid gland, a blood test for determining the concentration of thyroid hormones and others.

How to take iodine during pregnancy

Now you know why every pregnant woman is prescribed iodine preparations. But ideally they should be taken at the planning stage.

In everyday life, each person receives the vital iodine from water and food. Concerning the first, its concentration depends on geographical residence, and it should be said that our region is not distinguished by the richness of iodine in the water. Relatively But ideally they should be taken at the planning stage.

In everyday life, each person receives the vital iodine from water and food. Concerning the first, its concentration depends on geographical residence, and it should be said that our region is not distinguished by the richness of iodine in the water. Relatively But ideally they should be taken at the planning stage.

In everyday life, each person receives the vital iodine from water and food. Concerning the first, its concentration depends on geographical residence, and it should be said that our region is not distinguished by the richness of iodine in the water. Relativelythe second, most of all iodine (although not so much) is found in seafood, in particular sea fish, shrimp, sea kale, and also in figs. But the modern food industry adds iodine to many products to somehow compensate for its shortage: salt, biscuits, bread, milk and dairy products, eggs, cereals and others.

If the development of thyroid hormones is not broken, then a simple person, in general, manages these meager replenishments. But when pregnancy sets in, there can be no question of the adequacy of iodine intake from water and food. First of all, because all metabolic processes in the mother's body are accelerated and iodine will be consumed faster. And, as we said, for a normal gestation and development of the baby without it, well, no way!

To iodine was enough for two, Mom should receive 250 mcg every day. It is believed that about 40 ?g we get with water and food, the remaining 200 are prescribed in the form of medical preparations. If the composition of your vitamin and mineral complex also includes iodine, the doctor must correct the daily dose you are consuming.

During pregnancy planning, a woman suffices 100-150 mcg of iodine, but as soon as she learns of conception, the dose should immediately be increased to 200 mcg per day, because iodine is extremely important for the normal laying of organs and systems that begins to occur already from 3 weeks of pregnancy.

Cautions and contraindications

Despite the fact that iodine is so necessary for a woman and a fetus, it is by no means possible to determine the dosage and the appropriateness of taking iodine preparations independently. At first, illiterate appointment does not help to solve the problem of iodine deficiency, but the woes can easily be called. Secondly, there are a number of contraindications to the use of iodine during pregnancy:

hyperthyroidism (increased function of the thyroid gland);

impaired liver function;

kidney disease;

an allergy to iodine preparations.

So do not engage in self-prevention and self-medication. But if the doctor has appointed you a certain dose of iodine - diligently fulfill this appointment. And let your baby grow up smart and healthy!